Idaho Senate passes abortion ultrasound mandate

(AP) BOISE, Idaho - Idaho senators approved a measure requiring all women to undergo a fetal ultrasound before terminating a pregnancy.

Monday's 23-12 vote sends the bill to the House.

Idaho's measure, similar to Texas and Virginia laws, requires a doctor performing an abortion or prescribing medication to terminate a pregnancy to conduct a fetal ultrasound.

The woman would have the option of viewing the image and listening to a heartbeat.

The measure would also require the Department of Health and Welfare make available a list of places, typically anti-abortion clinics, where those considering an abortion could get a free ultrasound.

But those women would still have to submit to an ultrasound during an abortion procedure, too.

Advocates say this will protect unborn life.

Opponents called it government intrusion akin to George Orwell's "1984."